Description
Evening Primrose is native to North America. Originally used for the treatment of asthma, stomach and digestive disorders and bruises, there is renewed interest in the herb because of the oil in this plant. Approximately 70% of the oil is cis-linoleic acid, and as much as 9% cis-gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The oil also contains campestrol and beta-sitosterol. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. The anti-inflammatory properties of EPO have been studied in double blind research with people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Some, but not all, studies have reported that EPO supplementation provides significant benefits to these people. GLA, the primary active ingredient in EPO, has anticancer activity in test tube experiments. Primrose Oil has been used to treat the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome : irritability, headaches, breast tenderness and bloating. It has also been helpful in the treatment of eczema. There are claims that increased doses help rheumatoid arthritis and slow the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Action
Linoleic acid, a common fatty acid found in nuts, seeds, and most vegetable oils (including EPO), should theoretically convert to PGE1. But many things can interfere with this conversion, including disease, the aging process, saturated fat, hydrogenated oils, blood sugar problems, and inadequate amounts of vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. Supplements that provide GLA circumvent these conversion problems, leading to a more predictable formation of PGE1.
Despite the fact that most over-the-counter pain relievers and many prescription arthritis medicines work primarily by blocking prostaglandin synthesis, prostaglandins do play an important role in many biochemical reactions. Very few plants contain GLA in any significant quantity.
Uses Premenstrual syndrome, allergies and bronchial asthma, high blood cholesterol, skin conditions (such as acne, eczema and psoriasis), autoimmune conditions (multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma), obesity, diabetes mellitus and immune system depression.
Contraindications Evening Primrose Oil has very little side effects. However, it may cause the occasional headache or nausea if taken on an empty stomach, and diarrhea if taken in higher doses. Evening Primrose Oil should not be used if suffering from certain types of epilepsy. If you are taking anticoagulants or other medications, please consult your health professional. Evening Primrose Oil, and by extension GLA, should not be consumed by schizophrenic patients taking phenothiazine drugs such as Compazine (prochlorperazine), Mellaril (thioridazine), Sparine (promazine), Stelazine (trifluoperazine), Thorazine (chlorpromazine), or Trilafon (perphenazine). The combination may increase the risk of an epileptic seizure.
Suggested Use
Take 3 softgels, 1-4 times daily or as directed by your health care practitioner.
Evening Primrose Oil is available in 500 mg softgels. Most of the clinical trials have administered doses of one or two softgels two or three times a day, with the maximum adult dose of 4 g daily. In some conditions, up to three months may be needed to see a response.
Warning
Do not use if seal is broken Keep out of reach of children.
Ingredients | |
Certified Organic OEnothera biennis (Evening Primrose) (Seed Oil) | 500 mg |
Linolenic Acid (LA) (68%) | 340 mg |
Oleic Aid (10%) | 50 mg |
Linoleic Acid (LA) | 340 mg |
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